Happiness #bebetter52

With all the negativity in the world around us, it is important we take time to recognize the people and moments that bring joy, happiness and peace to our lives.

This week’s #bebetter52 challenge: Find someone or something in your life that makes you happy. It can be a friend, family member, pet, location, or even a piece of chocolate cake. Take a moment to recognize the joy this person or object brings you and take a photo with him/her/it. You can then post this picture on social media using #bebetter52 and a caption explaining in what way this person, object, or place brings you happiness.

Our lives can become overly consumed with work and stress. Almost daily, national headlines highlight horrific death tolls and devastations here and abroad. Surrounded by a world in chaos, we forget to make our happiness a priority. Research has shown being happy leads to better physical and mental health as well as a more successful career and fulfilling social life. Of course, it is nearly impossible to be happy all the time, but if you make your happiness a priority, you will see that positivity reflected in all aspects of your life.

You do not need to make drastic changes in your life to increase your happiness; it can be as simple as recognizing the people and things already in your life that give you joy. Once you discover what makes you happy, find time to make that a priority. Whether it’s spending more time with your kids or taking your dog for longer walks, make time for whomever or whatever brings you contentment. Always be grateful for your blessings. A heart filled with gratitude is a heart filled with peace.